BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Hola Mahalla Hola Mahalla Last updated 2009-10-26 This page looks at the festival of Hola Mahalla, when Sikhs practice military exercises and hold mock battles. On this page Find this year's date in the multifaith calendar Sikhs in procession © Hola Mahalla begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar and follows the Hindu festival of colours, Holi . Guru Gobind Singh started this festival as a day for Sikhs to practise their military exercises and hold mock battles. Today, Sikhs celebrate by watching and partaking in martial arts parades, led by the nishan sahibs of the Gurdwaras . These are followed by poetry readings and music. It is celebrated around March 17. Hola Mahalla - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.

Hola Mahalla Holla Mohalla festival, Photo:Reuters/Kamal Kishore In 2012, Hola Mahalla falls on March 9; (in 2013, it will falls on 28 March) Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March . This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh , follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. The word "Mohalla" is derived from the Arabic root hal (alighting, descending) and is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column. But unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle colored powder, dry or mixed in water, on each other, the Guru made Hola Mohalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. Together the words "Hola Mohalla" stands for "mock fight".

During this festival, processions are organised in the form of army type columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers and proceeding to a given spot or moving in state from one gurdwara to another. The custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur in February 1701. Contents Background Panj Pyara leading a march (Photo: The foothills of the Shivaliks in Ropar district of Punjab 's north-eastern region, especially around the historic townships of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, have, since 1701 been playing host to Hola Mohalla . Recently, the Indian government accorded it the status of a national festival. The military exercise, which was personally supervised by the guru, was carried out on the bed of the River Charan Ganga with the famous Hindu temple of Mata Naina Devi in the Shivaliks as the backdrop.

This annual festival held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and now replicated at other Gurdwaras worldwide was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi at Anandpur Sahib. It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time defending the Sikhs from the attacks of the Mughal empire and the hill kings. 3 days of celebrations On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan , music and poetry competitions. The participants perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters with real weapons), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding, standing erect on two speeding horses and various other feats of bravery. There are also a number of Darbars where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place.

On the last day a long procession, led by Panj Pyaras , starts from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib , one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through various important Gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh , Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji and terminates at the Takhat (Keshgarh). For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of sewa (community service). Raw materials like wheat flour, rice, vegetables, milk and sugar are provided by the villagers living nearby. Women volunteer to cook and others take part in cleaning utensils and other manual tasks that need to be carried out. Traditional cuisine is served to the pilgrims who eat while sitting in rows on the ground. (Pangat) The Festival of Hola Mahalla (Based on an article by M S. Ahluwalia) An enlightened person has no identification. Their values are universal and in tune with the timeless state of existence. This timeless state of existence can be given any name like Akal Purukh, God, Raam, Rahim, Hari, Parmaatma etc.

But these names point to the same ultimate truth. It is useless to worship any name unless it becomes your own experience. In our own times, developing countries like India have brought tourism into the forefront, owing to the twin advantages of employment generation and capacity to earn foreign exchange. Recent studies, however, have also pointed out the negative effects such as the cultural erosion (of ones own identity), materialism, increase in crime, social conflicts, overcrowding (of the tourists?) and environmental deterioration, which have not only proved counter productive in some cases but have also led to strong opposition, especially in the case of the sexual based-tourism as has developed in Tailand and other under-developed countries, including even India (which involves profit seeking adults enslaving the young and innocent children of many 'third world countries". The only remedial measures to this is the strict adherence to the development of community/religious tourism and its allied branches. In this brief paper an attempt is made to study the prospects and impact of community/religious tourism and its potential to develop and prosper.

The case study is related to the Sikh community's celebrations of Hola Mahalla at Anandpur Sahib (the birth-place of the Khalsa in 1699) in Punjab, an event that coincides with the Indian festival of Holi celebrated all over North India. This study concludes that community oriented tourism, such as ones similar to Hola Mahalla, can bring economic benefits while promoting partnership with others even as we protect the unique Sikh cultural heritage. The paper briefly discusses the history of Hola Mahalla festival, which has been declared a State festival by the Government of Punjab. It also analyses the importance of community tourism and its impact on economic and socio-cultural environment vis-a vis the host community and tourism development. Details Street in Anandpur during festivities Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival, which takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet, which usually falls in March. This follows the Hindu festival of Holi; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine noun Holi.

Mahalia, derived from the Arabic root hal (alighting, descending), is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one Gurdwara to another. This custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) who held the first march at Anandpur on Chet vadi 1, 1757 Bk (22nd February, 1701). Unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle colored powders, dry or mixed in water, on each other the Guru made Hola Mahalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was probably done forestalling a grimmer struggle against the imperial power following the battle of Ninnohgarh in 1700. Holla Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh, a Fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur sahib .

The popularity of this festival may be judged from the fact that out of five Sikh public holidays requested by the Khalsa Diwan, of Lahore in 1889, the Government approved only two - Holla Mahalla and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur. It will be appropriate here to discuss briefly the town and the participants of this festival. Anandpur Anandpur (lit. City of Bliss) is situated on one of the lower spurs of the Shiwalik Hills in Ropar District of Punjab and is well connected with the rest of the country both by road and rail. It lies 31 Kms north of Rupnagar (Ropar) and 29 Kms south of Nangal Township. Being one of the supremely important pilgrimage centers of the Sikhs it has been reverently called Anandpur Sahib.

It was here at Anandpur that on Baisakhi of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gave birth to the Khalsa and baptised the the original Panj Piare and inaugurated the order of Saint-Soldiers (holy warriors) who pledged their dedication to defend, not only Sikhs, but thir fellow countyymen and their religious rights as well, in the tradition of one of India's greatest Martyrs Guru Tegh Bahadur who gave his life in the defense of the Hinduism on behalf of the Pandits of Kashmir. The order of the Khalsa, at the wish of Guru Gobind Singh 's would henceforth be distinguished by five symbols, called the Five ks , viz. kes (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachcha (a pair of shorts), kara (a steel bracelet) and kirpan (sword) so that they could easily be recognized by anyone under attack. Sikhs were further instructed to live to the highest ethical standards, and to be always ready to fight tyranny and injustice.

Holla Mahalla festival Having been the abode of the last two human Gurus of the Sikhs for for more than 20 years, Anandpur Sahib was witness to many momentous events of Sikh history, including the Hola Mahalla festival, which is an annual feature. The festival has now lost much of its original military significance, but Sikhs in large numbers still assemble at Anandpur Sahib on this day and an impressive and colorful procession is taken out in which the Nihangs, in their traditional panoply, form the vanguard while parading their skill in the use of arms, horsemanship, tent-pegging, and other war-like sports. Warlike sports of the Nihangs Gatka fighting during festivities Originally known as Akalis, the Nihngas or Nihang Singhs are endearingly designated as Guru's Knights or the Guru's beloved. They still carry the military ambience and heroic style that was cultivated during the lifetime of Guru Gobind Singh.

Nihangs constitute a distinctive order among the Sikhs and are readily recognized by their dark blue loose apparel and their ample, peaked turbans festooned with quoits, insignia of the Khalsa and rosaries, all made of steel. They are always armed, and are usually seen mounted heavily laden with weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, rifles, shotguns, and pistols. The word Nihang can be traced back to Persian nihang (alligator, sword) or to Sanskrit nishanka (fearless, carefree). In the former sense, it seems to refer to the reckless courage members of this order displayed in battle. In Guru Gobind Singh's writing, Var Sri Bhagauti Ji 47, it is used for swordsmen warriors of the vanguard. Whatever may be the origin the word Nihang, it signifies the characteristic qualities of the clan- their freedom from fear of danger or death, readiness for action and non-attachment to worldly possessions.

During the eighteenth century, one of the confederate armies of the Dal Khalsa, constituted of the Nishanvalia misl chief, Naina Singh, whose style of tightly tied tall turban with a dumala gained currency and those who adopted the style were called Akali Nihangs. The self-discipline and privilege they gained of convening at Akal Takht general assemblies of the Khalsa, brought the Nihangs into importance far out of proportion to their numbers or political authority. In the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the Akali Nihangs maintained their independent existence. Their leader Phoola Singh Nihang , then custodian of the Akal Takht, was the voice of the religious and the moral conscience of the State, and at times he even censured and chastised the sovereign himself. The Nihangs are today divided into several groups, each with its own Chaoni (cantonment), but they are loosely organized into two Dals (forces) - Buddha Dal and the Taruna Dal. These names were initially given to the two sections into which the Khalsa army was divided in 1733.

Buddha Dal has its Chaoni at Talvandi Sabo in Bhatinda District, while the main Chaoni of the Taruna Dal Nihangs is at Baba Bakala. in Amritsar District. The week long festival of Hola Mahalla concludes at Gurdwara Holgarh Sahib (which stands on the site of Holgarh Fort), one and half Km northwest of town across the Charan Ganga rivulet. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh introduced in the spring of 1701 the celebration of Holla on the day following the Hindu festival of Holi . Unlike the playful sprinkling of colors as is done during Holi, the Guru made Holla an occasion to demonstrate skills in simulated battle, which is presently carried out by the Nihangs. The Nihangs assemble in thousands at Anandpur Sahib in March every year to celebrate Hola Mahalla. On this occasion they hold tournaments of military skills, including mock battles. The most spectacular event at the Hola Mahalla is the magnificent procession of Nihangs on horses and elephants and on foot carrying a variety of traditional and modern weapons and demonstrating their skill in using them.

The Hola Mahalla festival is unique and distinguishable from other festivals in that the Nihang have tried to preserve the traditional form and content as established during its inception, and strictly observed by the Akalis for more than three centuries. The martial arts exhibited by the Nihangs provide a picture of their skills and traditions to the visitors as well as the tourist. Because of its great historical, socio-religious and military significance, the Hola Mahalla festival can impressively contribute to a greater awareness of Sikh heritage as well as foster sustainable development of community tourism. Recommendations Anandpur Sahib can be developed as a tourist destination not to please a particular community but to develop it as a center of India's rich socio-cultural heritage devoted exclusively to the appreciation of physical abilities of a martial people. It will naturally sustain national and international tourism. A culturally conscious policy to develop Hola Mahalla as a tourist event should be formed by the State to focus on promoting cultural heritage while providing greater economic benefits to a larger section of the local population. The policy suggested can bring equitable economic benefits, increased community participation, all round development of the area and above all, the preservation of India's cultural heritage. With thanks to: Dr. M.S.

Ahluwalia who is Former Professor & Chairman, Department of History, H.P. University, Shimla (India) with over 30 years of teaching experience at the post-graduate level. Presently he is Senior Fellow at Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. Dr. Ahluwalia has authored six books and currently two books are in press. He actively participates in international conferences presenting papers on varied topics including history and Sikhism. Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla festival ~ Hyderabad | SikhNet Please give generously today! Donate Now SikhNet thanks you. Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla festival ~ Hyderabad As part of the Hola Mohalla celebrated a day after the Holi, the Sikh community took out two colourful Nagar Keertans (h... Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla festival Hyderabad, March 28 : As part of the Hola Mohalla celebrated a day after the Holi, the Sikh community took out two colourful Nagar Keertans (holy processions) on Thursday from Central Gurudwara Saheb Gowliguda, near Koti and another from Gurudwara Saheb Charmahal near High Court, Petlaburj.

The devotees who participated in the Hola Mohalla procession, smeared gulal and other colours against other and exchanged Holi greetings on the occasion. Prabhandhak Committee of Gurudwara Saheb Charmahal, S Harminder SIngh (President), S Surender SIngh (Secretary) and S Dilbagh Singh (Chairman) said that as part of the Hola Mohalla festival, two mass 'Nagar Keertans', (Holy Processions) were be taken out on a grand scale on Thursday at around 4.30 pm from Central Gurudwara Saheb Gowliguda and another from Gurudwara Saheb Charmahal. The procession from Central Gurudwara Saheb Gowligudal passed via Siddianber Bazar, Begum Bazar, Jumerath Bazar and reached Puranapul , Another procession Gurudwara Saheb Charmahal was taken out from Charmahal and passed via PTO, Petlaburj and reached Puranapul.

These two processions joined together at Puranapul and from there they passed via Bahadarpura, Kishanbagh and reach Gurudwara Saheb Barambala Saheb, Sikh Chawniat at around 8.30 pm. The procession was marked by the rendering of Shabad Keertans (Holy Hymns) by the Jatha Tera Jatha and Keerthani Jathas of men, women and youths. “Nishaan Saheban” (Flag bearers) were carried during the procession. The major attraction of the procession was the display of 'GATKA' a famous Sikh martial art forms and other breathtaking sword exercises all along the procession by special Gatka parties who will exhibit their Gatka skills. Holla Mohalla is community festival of the Sikhs celebrated on a large scale in Punjab, mainly at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib and was started by the tenth and last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singhji. Holla Mohalla marks a new year as per the Lunar Nanakshahai calendar of the Sikhs. It is a three day festival that is celebrated a day after Holi.

Holla is the masculine form of the feminine Holi. Mohalla come from the Arabic root “hal” meaning alighting or descending. Guru Gobind Singh started the festival of Holla Mohalla for the Sikhs to display their martial skills. The Nihang Sikhs arrive in large numbers from all around at the time of Holla Mohalla to Anandpur Sahib. Hola Mohalla Sikh Marshal Arts Holiday Festivities 1. What is Hola Mohalla? Hola Mohalla is a week long Sikh martial arts festival held annually in Anandpur Sahib, India. Sikhs around the world also celebrate Hola Mohalla locally where ever they live. Festivities include demonstration of skill with weapons and horses, displays of weaponry, and at week's end often may conclude with a parade. More » Nihang Singhs at Anandpur Hola Mohalla Festivities. Photo © [Courtesy Balbir Singh] 2. When is Hola Mohalla? Hola Mohalla Sikh martial arts festivities coincide with celebrations held during the week of Holi a popular Hindu spring festival in India. Hola Mohalla the annual week long Sikh historic holiday is observed during the month of March on a different date each and every year.

Hola Mohalla celebrations in the West may occur on the actual date, or on the closet most convenient weekend. Consult current year Sikh events calendar to determine the actual date, or regional gurdwara calendars for local Hola Mohalla activities. More » Gatka Troupe Salute During Hola Mohalla Exibition. Photo © [Khalsa Panth] 3. Hola Mohalla Parade Exhibition Gallery An all day parade is the grand finale of week long Hola Mohalla festivities. Thousands of participants and spectators enjoy traditional features including floats, interspersed with astonishing demonstrations of gatka, and displays of weaponry. Annual Sikh parades like Hola Mohalla are exciting events charged with energy and reverence. A float bearing the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib is at the head of all Sikh parades and is followed by a variety of floats. For the best possible Hola Mohalla experience know what to expect: 5 Items that you won't want to be without at a Sikh parade make fun filled festivities even more enjoyable when you take them along. 10 pointers for an amazing Sikh parade experience include proper protocol and attire for participants and spectators, where to park, shop, and partake of langar free food.

Gatka the Sikh martial art sword dance involves fancy foot work and skillful maneuvers combined with leaps as opponents spar during Hola Mohalla demonstrations. Novices train with blunt gatka sticks before graduating to dueling with sharpened swords. More » Gatka Troupe Shastar Weaponry. Photo © [S Khalsa] 5. Hola Mohalla Shastar Weaponry Demonstrations of skill with all types of shastar weaponry is a popular feature of Hola Mohalla festivities. Shastar weaponry is displayed in collections of ancient weapons traditionally used by ancient Khalsa warriors along with modern, and ceremonial weaponry used by Gatka troupes. More » Hola Mohalla Chakar Gatka Display Gurdawara San Jose. Photo © [Manprem Kaur] 6. Hola Mohalla Chakar Spinning Skillful whirling of a chakar while marching in the Hola Mohalla parade is a popular attraction. Male and female adults, youth, and even very young children may excel at chakar spinning, and all train in types of Sikh marital arts weaponry. Nihang Singhs Preparing for Hola Mohalla. Photo © [S Khalsa] 7.

Hola Mohalla Nihang Warriors Nihang warriors, known as the crocodile's of Punjab, are an ancient sect of Sikhism dating back to the time of Tenth Guru Gobind Singh , founder of Hola Mohalla. Nihang bravery is at the very heart of Hola Mohalla festivities where they show off their skill in Gatka martial arts, swordsmanship, and horsemanship, all the while outfitted in the traditional attire of the Sikh warrior. More » Singh Astride 3 Horses at Hola Mohalaa. Photo © [Courtesy Jagjeet Singh / Balbir Singh] 8. Skillful Riders Show Hola Mohalla Spirit on Horseback Nihang feats of spectacular horsemanship combined with weaponry are popular attraction during Hola Mohalla. Riding three horses all at once is more difficult than it appears! Such a feat takes a great deal of skill along with focused training, as well as willing horses with a cooperative temperament. Warrior Princess on Horseback at Hola Mohalla. Photo © [Courtesy Manprem Kaur] 9.

Hola Mohalla Spirited Warrior Princesses Zealous kaurs show the courage of a lioness when sparring with partners in Hola Mohalla festivities. Spirited warrior princesses are keen to train in gatka martial arts, shastar weaponry, and horseback. The bravery of illustrious Sikh women is exemplified throughout Sikh history. More » Little Singh Demonstrates Skill with Swinging Mace. Photo © [Manprem Kaur] 10. Hola Mohalla Little Warriors Participants of all ages show off their skill at Hola Mohalla festivities. Kids of every age enjoy watching the martial spirit and courage displayed by little singhs and singhnis . Even the littlest ones in arms are fascinated by the demonstrations of other older children trained in the sport of gatka and are eager to emulate them as soon as they are developmentally able. Sikh children often begin training with weapons as soon as they are able to walk. Sugar Cane and Cuties at Hola Mohalla. Photo © [Manprem Kaur] 11. Hola Mohalla Free Langar As with every Sikh event, free langar is among the many features of Hola Mohalla festivities.

Fresh sugar cane juice is a tasty tradition popular in Punjab. Many Western gurdwaras are equipped with sugarcane presses and offer the treat to all takers during annual celebrations. Hola Mohalla 2015: Facts, History, Rituals Surrounding The Sikh Festival [PHOTOS] Hola Mohalla 2015: Facts, History, Rituals Surrounding The Sikh Festival [PHOTOS] 03/06/15 AT 12:31 PM Close On Friday, Sikhs around the world will start celebrating Hola Mohalla , a festival that begins on the first day of the lunar month Chet. This year the weeklong festival begins March 6 and coincides with the Hindu spring festival Holi. Hola Mohalla dates back to the 18th century, when guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 Sikh gurus, created an occasion for Sikhs to show off their martial arts skills and host mock battles. Today, Sikh communities commemorate the holiday by hosting martial arts parades, taking part in devotional worship, singing and community outreach efforts. This year, thousands of devotees have descended on the town of Anandpur, where the festival was first celebrated.

The town hosts the second-most important Sikh shrine where guru Gobind Singh baptized five men into the faith and founded the Khalsa Panth, a term used to refer to Sikhs who have reached the highest state of spiritual purity. A "Nihang," or a Sikh warrior, rides three horses as he performs during the Holla Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib in the northern Indian state of Punjab, March 6, 2015. Photo: Reuters Hola Mohalla usually takes place after the Hindu festival Holi . This year, the festivals begin on the same day. While both are celebrations, they are distinct from each other in terms of history and religious significance. Holi is a spring festival that commemorates the Hindu deity Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahalad. For Sikhs, Hola Mohalla is more of a day for community gathering than it is a religious holiday. “The Sikh tradition does not believe in holiday in the western sense,” Simran Jeet Singh, a senior religion fellow for the Sikh Coalition and a Ph.D. candidate in the religion department at Columbia University, said.

“There is no time or day that is more holy than any other.” Related Stories Below are photos of Sikh celebrations around the world: RT @HTPunjab : Hola Mohalla at Golden Temple in #Amritsar . Photo credit: Sameer Sehgal/HT pic.twitter.com/FaJtkZb5TT Hola Mohalla 2017, Sikh Festivals, Anandpur Sahib Festival 2017 E-mail Hola Mohalla 2017 - March 13 (Monday) - March 15 (Wednesday) Hola Mohalla - a Sikh festival is celebrated every year in the month of March, a day after Holi. Hola "Mohalla" derives its name from Punjabi word âMohallaâ implies an organized Procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one Gurdwara to another. The festival was started by the tenth Sikh Guru â Guru Govind Singh who had tried to gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi.

This has now become a traditional annual festival of Sikhs held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs. It is celebrated over three days and it retains the character of fun and joy of Holi which concludes a day before. Even today, Sikhs celebrate this festival joyfully by watching and performing in martial arts parades, led by the Nishan Sahibs of the Gurdwaras. Which is then, followed by poetry readings and music competitions. But viewing it closely might be risky for spectators as the participants who perform Hola Mohalla fight hard with one another even though they do not fight in reality. The celebration has been recognized as a National Festival by the Govt. of India and it is being celebrated in the state of Punjab since 1701.

Sikh Culture, Sikh Festivals, Sikh People, Sikh Religion, Guruparav, Punjabi Festival, Punjab Testivals, Sikh State Punjab +91-9910007940, 9810007940 Sikh Culture and Festivals Sikh people : Worldwide, Sikhs number more than 23 million, but more than 90% of Sikhs live in the Indian state of Punjab, where they are close to 65% of the population. Large communities of Sikhs live in the neighbouring states, and large communities of Sikhs can be found across India. However, Sikhs are only about 2% of the Indian population. Migration beginning from the 19th century led to the creation of significant communities in Canada (Brampton & Malton, Ontario; Surrey, British Columbia), the United Kingdom, the Middle East, East Africa, Southeast Asia and more recently, the United States, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. As with most world religions, there are groups of Sikhs (such as the Namdharis, Ravidasis and Udasis) who do not adhere to the mainstream principles followed by most Sikhs.

Some of these groups may not consider themselves a part of Sikhism, although from an outsider's perspective similarities in beliefs and principles may firmly render them a part of the Sikh religious domain[citation needed]. Groups such as the Nirankaris have a history of bad relations with mainstream Sikhism, and are considered pariahs by some Sikhs. Others, such as the Nihangs, tend to have little difference in belief and practice, and are considered Sikhs proper by mainstream Sikhism. Sikh Festivals : Festivals in Sikhism mostly centre around the lives of the Gurus and Sikh martyrs. The Sri Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), the Sikh organisation in charge of upkeep of the gurdwaras, organises celebrations based on the new Nanakshahi calendar. This calendar is highly controversial among Sikhs and is not universally accepted. Several festivals (Hola Mohalla, Diwali and Guru Nanak's birthday) continue to be celebrated using the Hindu calendar. Sikh festivals include the following : - Guru Gobind Singh Javanthi, birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. - Lohri is a harvest festival, originally celebrated in Punjab.

Although it has nothing to do with the sikh religion but sikhs being the predominant farmers in Punjab makes it look like a Sikh festival. Nowadays it is celebrated more as a tradition than anything else. Any beliefs that Lohri is celebrated only at the birth of a boy is because of the discrimination of women faced in old Hindu soceities, the very thing opposed strongly and outrightly by all Sikh Gurus and other saints like Kabir. Nowadays even at the birth of a daughter some families celebrate Lohri. Lohri would be more correctly termed a Punjabi festival rather than a Sikh festival. - Maghi commemorates the martyrdom of the "Forty Immortals," forty followers of Guru Gobind Singh who had previously deserted him, fought bravely against overwhelming Mughal army forces and were martyred in Muktsar. Guru Gobind Singh blessed them as having achieved mukti (liberation) and cremated them at Muktsar.On Maghi, Sikhs visit gurdwaras and listen to kirtan (hymns). Naturally, the largest gathering is at Muktsar where an annual fair is held.

- Holi/Hola Mohalla : In Punjab it is celebrated at Anandpur Sahib and in other cities such as Ludhiana Hindus and Sikhs celebrate together. In Punjab and other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Sikhs and Hindus come together for Hola Mahalla. But again Holi is actually a Hindu festival having no place in Sikhism with Sikh participation limited to Hola Mohalla where sikhs display their martial skills. - Vaisakhi/Baisakhi is a Hindu and Sikh festival that celbrates the beginning of the harvest season in India. It is also celebrated for the Birth of the Khalsa, or Sikh religion. Vaisakhi is celebrated at a large scale at Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar. In Canada, USA, and other Sikh and Hindu populated areas, South Asians come together for a public mela or parade, and enjoy free food of all sorts of Indian cuisine. The main part of the mela is where a local Sikh Temple ( Gurdwara ) has a beauitful Indian theme float where the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) is located and everyone must offer their prayers by touching the float.

- Martydom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib rjan Dev Sahib was martyred on this day, according to the Nanakshahi calendar. - Parkash Divas is the day where the Guru Granth Sahib was instituted. Sikhs go to a local temple for a prayer, and hymns. - Diwali/Bandi Chod Divas : On the day of the Hindu festival Diwali, Sikhs celebrate the Bandi Chod Divas. It celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind Singh from Gwalior Fort with him freeing 52 other kings as well. It is celebrated by lightning divas and going to a Gurdwara to listen to gurbani. - Guru Nanak Ji's Jayanthi : On this day Guru Nank was born in Nanakana, a small town in Pakistan. Every year Sikhs go to a Gurdwara and offer their prayers there. Sometimes divas are lit infront of the Gurdwara, in honor of the Guru Jis Birthday. - Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib : On this day Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred when he refused to convert to Islam.

On this day Sikhs go to a Gurdwara for a prayer. . Hola Mahalla | SikhNet Please give generously today! Donate Now SikhNet thanks you. Hola Mahalla Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet ... Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition estabished by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. The word "Mohalla" is derived from the Arabic root hal (alighting, descending) and is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column. But unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle color, dry or mixed in water, on each other, the Guru made Hola Mohalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. Together the words "Hola Mohalla" stands for "mock fight".

During this festival, processions are organised in the form of army type columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers and proceeding to a given spot or moving in state from one gurdwara to another. The custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur in February 1701. The foothills of the Shivaliks in Ropar district of Punjab's north-eastern region, especially around the historic townships of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, have, since 1701 been playing host to Hola Mohalla. Recently, the Indian government accorded it the status of a national festival. The military exercise, which was personally supervised by the guru, was carried out on the bed of the River Charan Ganga with the famous Hindu temple of Mata Naina Devi in the Shivaliks as the backdrop. This annual festival held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and now replicated at other Gurdwaras worldwide was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi at Anandpur Sahib.

It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time battling the Mughal empire and the hill kings. On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. The participants perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters with real weapons), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding, standing erect on two speeding horses and various other feats of bravery. There are also a number of Darbars where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. On the last day a long procession, led by Panj Pyaras, starts from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through various important Gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji and terminates at the Takhat (Keshgarh). For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of sewa (community service).

Raw materials like wheat flour, rice, vegetables, milk and sugar are provided by the villagers living nearby. Women volunteer to cook and others take part in cleaning utensils and other manual tasks that need to be carried out. Traditional cuisine is served to the pilgrims who eat while sitting in rows on the ground. (Pangat) The Festival of Hola Mahalla This custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) who held the first march at Anandpur on Chet vadi 1, 1757 Bk (22nd February, 1701). Unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle color, dry or mixed in water, on each other the Guru made Hola Mahalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was probably done forestalling a grimmer struggle against the imperial power following the battle of Ninnohgarh in 1700. Holla Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh Fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest to the town of Anandpur sahib.

The popularity of this festival may be judged from the fact that out of five Sikh public holidays requested by the Khalsa Diwan, Lahore in 1889, the Government approved only two - Holla Mahalla and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur. It will be appropriate here to discuss briefly the town and the participants of this festival. Anandpur Literally the City of Bliss, Anandpur is situated on one of the lower spurs of the Shiwalik Hills in Ropar District of Punjab and is well connected with the rest of the country both by road and rail. It lies 31 Kms north of Rupnagar (Ropar) and 29 Kms south of Nangal Township. Being one of the supremely important pilgrimage centers of the Sikhs it has been reverently called Anandpur Sahib. It will not be out of place here to mention that it was at Anandpur that on Baisakhi of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh carried out the supreme task of creating the Khalsa.

It was here that the Guru announced the baptism of the Panj Piare and inaugurated the Khalsa, or the brotherhood of the holy soldiers who would henceforth be distinguished by five symbols all beginning with the letter "K" viz. kes (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachcha (pair of shorts), kara (steel bracelet) and kirpan (sword). Sikhs were further instructed to live to the highest ethical standards, and to be always ready to fight tyranny and injustice. Hola Mahalla festival Having been the abode of the last two Sikh Gurus for two score years, the town was witness to many momentous events of Sikh history, including the Hola Mahalla festival, which is an annual feature. The festival has now lost much of its original military significance, but Sikhs in large numbers still assemble at Anandpur Sahib on this day and an impressive and colorful procession is taken out in which the Nihangs, in their traditional panoply, form the vanguard while parading their skill in the use of arms, horsemanship, tent-pegging, and other war-like sports.

Originally known as Akalis, the Nihngas or Nihang Singhs are endearingly designated as Guru's Knights or the Guru's beloved. They still carry the military ambience and heroic style that was cultivated during the lifetime of Guru Gobind Singh. Nihangs constitute a distinctive order among the Sikhs and are readily recognized by their dark blue loose apparel and their ample, peaked turbans festooned with quoits, insignia of the Khalsa and rosaries, all made of steel. They are always armed, and are usually seen mounted heavily laden with weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, rifles, shotguns, and pistols. The word Nihang can be traced back to Persian nihang (alligator, sword) or to Sanskrit nishanka (fearless, carefree). In the former sense, it seems to refer to the reckless courage members of this order displayed in battle. In Guru Gobind Singh's writing, Var Sri Bhagauti Ji 47, it is used for swordsmen warriors of the vanguard.

Whatever may be the origin the word Nihang, it signifies the characteristic qualities of the clan- their freedom from fear of danger or death, readiness for action and non-attachment to worldly possessions. During the eighteenth century, one of the confederate armies of the Dal Khalsa, constituted of the Nishanvalia misl chief, Naina Singh, whose style of tightly tied tall turban with a dumala gained currency and those who adopted the style were called Akali Nihangs. The self-discipline and privilege they gained of convening at Akal Takht general assemblies of the Khalsa, brought the Nihangs into importance far out of proportion to their numbers or political authority. In the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the Akali Nihangs maintained their independent existence. Their leader Phoola Singh Nihang, then custodian of the Akal Takht, was the voice of the religious and the moral conscience of the State, and at times he even censured and chastised the sovereign himself.

The Nihangs are today divided into several groups, each with its own Chaoni (cantonment), but they are loosely organized into two Dals (forces) - Buddha Dal and the Taruna Dal. These names were initially given to the two sections into which the Khalsa army was divided in 1733. Buddha Dal has its Chaoni at Talvandi Sabo in Bhatinda District, while the main Chaoni of the Taruna Dal Nihangs is at Baba Bakala. in Amritsar District. The week long festival of Hola Mahalla concludes at Gurdwara Holgarh Sahib (which stands on the site of Holgarh Fort), one and half Km northwest of town across the Charan Ganga rivulet. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh introduced in the spring of 1701 the celebration of Holla on the day following the Hindu festival of Holi . Unlike the playful sprinkling of colors as is done during Holi, the Guru made Holla an occasion to demonstrate skills in simulated battle, which is presently carried out by the Nihangs.

The Nihangs assemble in thousands at Anandpur Sahib in March every year to celebrate Hola Mahalla. On this occasion they hold tournaments of military skills, including mock battles. The most spectacular event at the Hola Mahalla is the magnificent procession of Nihangs on horses and elephants and on foot carrying a variety of traditional and modern weapons and demonstrating their skill in using them. The Hola Mahalla festival is unique and distinguishable from other festivals in that the Nihang have tried to preserve the traditional form and content as established during its inception, and strictly observed by the Akalis for more than three centuries. Upper two photos courtesy of Nick Fleming Bottom photo courtesy of Daljeet Singh The Sikh Festivals: Holla Mohalla - Sikh Festivals - Gateway to Sikhism The Sikh Festivals Tweet Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in the month of Phalguna , a day after Holi.An annual festival held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, Hola Mohalla was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi.

It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time battling the Mughal empire. On this three-day festival mock battles are held followed by music and poetry competitions. The Nihang Singhs (members of the Sikh army that was founded by Guru Govind Singh) carry on the martial tradition with mock battles and displays of swordsmanship and horse riding. They perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding and standing erect on two speeding horses. There are also a number of durbars where Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. Sporting shining swords, long spears, conical turbans, the Nihangs present a fierce picture as they gallop past on horseback spraying colors on people.On the last day a long procession, led by Panj Pyaras, starts from Takth Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through various important gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji and terminates at the Takth.

For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of sewa (community service). Raw materials like wheat flour, rice, vegetables, milk and sugar is provided by the villagers living nearby. Women volunteer to cook and others take part in cleaning the utensils. Traditional cuisine is served to the pilgrim who eat while sitting in rows on the ground The tenth guru Gobind Singh felt that Holi, had lost its original meaning over the years. It was no longer a celebration to reaffirm fraternity and brotherhood. In 1757 AD he decided to revive the spirit of Holi and weave its essence into a festival created in the Khalsa traditions. Holla Mohalla is celebrated in the month of Phalguna a day after Holi. Early morning prayers at the gurdwaras mark the beginning of the festival. The Guru Grantha Sahib is brought out with ceremony and placed on the dais. It is given a symbolic bath with milk and water. Akhandapathas, Kar seva, Shabads and Kirtans are performed The Karah Prasad is distributed to the congregation, after it has been consecrated by the guru.

At noon, men and women from all castes and creed eat together at the guru ka langar. Stories are narrated about the bravery of Guru Govind Singh in prose and verse. Tribute is also accorded to Guru Har Gobind, who led his army to free 52 captive kings from the Gwalior jail in 1612 AD. Colorful processions are organized on Holla Mohalla. Sikhs, especially the Nihangs, dressed in their traditional martial costumes, display their skills in archery, sword fencing, horse riding and shooting. Battles are enacted and ancient cannons fired to focus on the training required for war. Holla Mohalla is an occasion for the Sikhs to reaffirm their commitment to the Khalsa Panth Celebration of Holla Mohalla Holla Mohalla is celebrated to reaffirm fraternity and brotherhood and reminding people of "valour and defence preparedness", concepts very dear to the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji. Colorful processions are organized on the occassion of Holla Mohalla, particularly in Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar(both in Indian Punjab).

Sikhs, especially the Nihangs, dressed in their traditional martial costumes form part of the pageant. Mock battles are also held followed by music,poetry and other competitions. The Nihang Singhs (members of the Sikh army founded by Guru Govind Singh) portray their skills with mock battles and displays of swordsmanship and horse riding. The Nihang Singhs also perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding and standing erect on two speeding horses. Recently, the Indian Goverment had accorded Holla Mohalla the status of a " National Festival". Search Our Site Holi festival of the martial Sikhs - Hola Mohalla - YouTube Holi festival of the martial Sikhs - Hola Mohalla Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Mar 10, 2016 Hola Mohalla: Punjab India - known as the land of spirituality and philosophy.

It is the birthplace of many religions and Sikhism is one such faith. Sikhism is India's fourth-largest religion and has existed for more than 547 years beginning with the birth of its founder Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhs are predominantly located in the state of Punjab in North India. It is also the fifth largest religion in the world with more than 30 million followers. Sikhs adhere to long-standing and strict practices and traditions to strengthen their faith. Hola Mohalla is a festival where they express their faith as well as showcase their military origins. The history of Holla Mohalla dates back to the early 18th century when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru and his force were at war with the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb and the Rajputs simultaneously. Eventually, on the 22nd February 1701, Guru Gobind Singh started a new tradition of dedicating a day towards mock fights and poetry contests. The event was held in Holgarh Fort, across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur Sahib.

Since then, the tradition of practicing mock battles gradually spread to Kiratpur Sahib, near Anandpur Sahib, as well as other Gurdwaras across the globe. Started by Guru Gobind Singh, Holla Mohalla is celebrated a day after the Hindu festival of Holi. Apparently, the name Hola is the masculine term of Holi. While the vibrant Holi festival involves playing with color, Hola Mohalla takes the form of demonstrating martial skills in simulated battles. Celebrated across the world, the largest scale festivities are observed in Anandpur Sahib annually. Early morning prayers at the gurdwaras mark the beginning of the festival. The Guru Grantha Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is brought out with ceremony and placed on the dais. It is given a symbolic bath with milk and water. Akhanda paths, Kar seva, Shabads and Kirtans are performed on this day. Karha Prasad is distributed to the congregation, after it has been blessed. At noon, men and women from all castes and creeds eat together at the guru ka langar. Stories are narrated about the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh in prose as well as verse.

Tribute is also accorded to Guru Har Gobind, who led his army to free 52 captive kings from the Gwalior jail in 1612 AD. Colorful processions are organized on the occasion of Holla Mohalla. On this day Sikhs, especially the Nihangs hold tournaments of military skills, including mock battles. The most spectacular event at the Hola Mahalla is the magnificent procession of Nihangs on horses and elephants and on foot carrying a variety of traditional and modern weapons and demonstrating their skill in using them. Tourists and visitors are served with traditional meals, called langars, prepared by the local people as part of community service or kar sewa. The pilgrims are served food while being seated in neat rows on the ground, known as pangats. The Hola Mahalla festival is unique and distinguishable from other festivals in that the Nihangs have tried to preserve the traditional form and content as established during its inception, and strictly observed by the Akalis for more than three centuries. The martial arts exhibited by the Nihangs provide a picture of their skills and traditions to visitors.

Because of its great historical, socio-religious and military significance, the Hola Mahalla festival can impressively contribute to a greater awareness of Sikh heritage as well as foster development of community tourism. Holla Mohalla is celebrated to reaffirm fraternity and brotherhood and to remind people of "valour and defence preparedness", concepts very dear to the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collection of HD imagery from South Asia. The collection comprises of 150, 000+ hours of high quality broadcast imagery, mostly shot on HDCAM / SR 1080i High Definition, Alexa, SR, XDCAM and 4K. Write to us for licensing this footage on a broadcast format, for use in your production! We are happy to be commissioned to film for you or else provide you with broadcast crewing and production solutions across South Asia. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world... Please subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on Youtube for a steady stream of videos from across India.

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Question: Hola Mahalla is an annual festival celebrated in which religion?
Answer: Sikh